Carrie Kozak-Hietala, MSW, LISW, CCTS-I
My name is Carrie Kozak-Hietala and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for individuals. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University. I have experience in counseling adults as they work through their individual and unique life experiences.
My approach to therapy is compassionate, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I work with you to understand how your past experiences, relationships, and current stressors impact your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I integrate evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you identify and shift unhelpful patterns, while also creating space to process deeper emotional experiences at a pace that feels safe. I also use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy help to increase emotional regulation skills and coping skills, Mindfulness to help you stay present, and trauma informed care-to help you process and accept past life events. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship so you feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout your healing process.
In addition to working with a wide range of mental health concerns, I bring extensive experience from my work in a women’s recovery center, where I supported women navigating substance use, trauma, and major life transitions. This background has shaped my passion for working with women in all stages of life, including those facing women’s health concerns such as infertility, pregnancy loss, postpartum challenges, and the emotional impact of reproductive experiences. I also have experience facilitating parenting groups and can support individuals looking to build confidence and effective strategies in their parenting role.
I have specialized training in trauma and have experience working with individuals and groups in this area. I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a way to help clients process and heal from distressing or overwhelming experiences. My trauma work includes supporting individuals with PTSD, complex trauma, and the lasting effects of difficult life events, always with a focus on safety, stabilization, and long-term healing. I also work with individuals struggling with substance use, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, and relationship-related concerns.
I am passionate about supporting women in finding their strength, rebuilding their sense of self, and creating meaningful, lasting change in their lives. I strive to provide a space where clients feel safe, supported, and truly understood.
On a personal level, in my free time I enjoy hanging out with my husband, 3 daughters, and 2 dogs going for walks, watching movies, or going and doing fun stuff with friends.